KING COUNTY FIRE TRAINING OFFICERS’ ASSOCIATION
MEETING MINUTES
KCFD #2 – Burien Fire
October 2, 2008
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King County Fire Training Officers’ Association MinutesOctober 2008 Page1
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King County Fire Training Officers’ Association MinutesOctober 2008 Page1
MEMBERS & GUESTS:
* Mike GeppertEastside Fire
* Elenjo SchaffEastside Fire
Tim McClungKCIA – ARFF
John BridenbauaghMercer Island Fire
Rick MykingRenton Fire
Roy GunsolusRenton Fire
Bob StinnettSouth King Fire
Rachel GarliniShoreline Fire
John PalmerShoreline Fire
Todd ReynoldsSnoqualmie Fire
Cari CollVashon Fire
Marty GrishamTukwila Fire
Tom StromNorth Highline Fire
Warren MerrittBellevue Fire/KCFC
Patty OusleyKingCountyEMS
Greg SchipperEnumclaw Fire
Don BrassardEnumclaw Fire
Jeff DiDonatoMapleValley Fire
Mark AdlerKCFD #2
Mark MuschNorthshore Fire
Mike McAuliffeBothell Fire
* Executive Board Member
The monthly meeting was called to order by President Mike Geppert at the Burien Fire Department. Following the traditional flag salute, a round table of introductions was completed.
MEETING MINUTES:
A motion was made by Rick Myking and seconded by Roy Gunsolus to accept the August meeting minutes and the September meeting minutes as disseminated by Elenjo Schaff. Motion passed.
TREASURER’S REPORT:
Phil Cane read the Treasurer’s report for July and August as follows:
JULY:
Checking Account:
Beginning Balance $ 4,966.79
Deposits$ 15,938.00
Withdrawals$ 8,312.16
Interest Earned$ .54
Ending Balance (08/31/08)$ 12,593.17
Savings Account:
Beginning Balance $75,110.98
Deposits$ 0.00
Interest Earned$ 20.32
Ending Balance (08/31/08)$75,131.30
Grand Total All Accounts:$87,724.47
AUGUST:
Checking Account:
Beginning Balance $12,593.17
Deposits$ 5,027.00
Withdrawals$ 1,704.64
Interest Earned$ .52
Ending Balance (08/31/08)$15,916.05
Savings Account:
Beginning Balance $75,131.30
Deposits$ 0.00
Interest Earned$ 17.86
Ending Balance (08/31/08)$75,149.16
Grand Total All Accounts:$91,065.21
September’s financial report was available at the meeting due to the end of the month just occurring, but since this meeting, it has been submitted as:
SEPTEMBER:
Checking Account:
Beginning Balance $ 15,916.05
Deposits$ 8,320.00
Withdrawals$ 2,914.35
Interest Earned$ .72
Ending Balance (08/31/08)$ 21,322.42
Savings Account:
Beginning Balance $75,149.16
Deposits$ 0.00
Interest Earned$ 18.48
Ending Balance (08/31/08)$75,167.64
Grand Total All Accounts:$96.490.06
A motion was made by Tom Strom and seconded by John Bridenbaugh to accept the July and August Treasurer’s report as read. The September report will need to be approved at the November meeting.
CHIEFS’ COMMENTS:
Warren Merrittreported the Fire Ground and RIT curricula are expected to be adopted by the Chiefs’ at their October 9 meeting.
In October, the three projects the Chiefs are planning to develop county-wide policies on are:
- Strike Team – Task Force for structural collapse for all three zones.
- High Wind Policy
- Rehabilitation Policy
Warren continued to report the EPG meeting was held and they were able to secure $700,000 in equipment for the zones and are developing a strategy to deploy these to the departments/zones.
He reported there is a heavy rescue class being held in Seattle and they are working on scheduling more training sessions.
GUEST SPEAKER(S):
There weren’t any guest speakers.
AFFILIATE REPORTS:
KING COUNTY DEPARTMENT
OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT & REGION 6 HOMELAND SECURITY TRAINING & EDUCATION COMMITTEE:
Marty Grisham reported the county is going through a ‘shake-up’ with re-assignments of staff effective January 1.
The 2008 allotment of money for Region 6 was $300,000 and the request was for $700,000. One of the projects to be covered by this funding is the “Sonic Boom” practical for crews and teams.
KINGCOUNTYEMS:
Patty Ousleyinformed the members the current EMT class has begun working on their State Application process. Blake Harrison is overseeing this project.
Projected dates for the Spring EMT Class are as follows and is pending the site and the number of students enrolling:
- Letter to Training Officers – 12/5/08
- Deadline for Applications – 1/9/09
- Student Pre-test – 1/27/09
- Orientation & CPR Testing – 2/10/09
- First Lecture – 2/24/009
- First Practical – 2/28/09
- Practical Final – 5/26/09
- State Written Exam – 5/19/09
Tukwila had an experience of a lateral EMT-I and Marty reported the process to downgrade this EMT’s certification was a lot more involved than regular re-certification. Patty also reminded the members that the State EMS Office is downsizing and this is causing a back-up in some of the certification processes.
LABOR & INDUSTRIES:
Mark Soltow was not present to report. Several members asked about the possibility of having Mark re-invited to attend meetings, at least quarterly, to keep us informed of new developments, etc. Elenjo Schaff will contact him to let him know the request. One of the topics of interest was what L & I rulings were on the vesting requirements that is to be enforced in November.
REGION IV:
Mark Adler announced the classes they are sponsoring are posted on the One of the series they are sponsoring is the Leadership 1(January), 2 (February), and 3 (March), 2009. There is also an Incident Safety Officer Class being held.
Discussion ensued about the possibility of these classes being held during the week instead of only on the weekends. Mark indicated they would look into this since there is as much need for weekday as weekend classes.
Representatives are still needed for this group.
STATE FIRE TRAINING & SAFETY OFFICERS’ ASSOCIATION:
Bob Joneswas not present to report.
WA STATE FIRE SERVICE TRAINING:
Bob Jones was not present to report.
KITSAPCOUNTY TRAINING OFFICERS’ ASSOCIATION:
Wayne Kier was not present to report.
PIERCE COUNTYMETRO TRAINING ASSOCIATION:
Bryan Pearson was not present to report.
SNOHOMISHCOUNTY TRAINING OFFICERS’ ASSOCIATION:
Neither Craig Clinton nor Art White was present to report.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT CONTRACT COMMITTEE:
It is the time of the year for this committee to meet and review Cindy’s Administrative Support Contract with her to see if there needs to be adjustments made.
(Committee Members: E-Board & ODA Chair and Cindy McMahan)
ADVANCED PUMP OPERATOR WORKSHOP COMMITTEE:
Gary Sacha or other committee members were not present to report, so Marty Grisham reported that the class went well, but he didn’t have anything else to report as far as the planning process for the 2009 academies.
Marty also noted that Gary will be out of work with a shoulder surgery until approximately March 2009.
(Committee Members: Gary Sacha, Bob Jones, and Mark Weldon)
BUDGET COMMITTEE:
Mike Geppert announced that it is time for the Budget Committee to start developing a budget for 2009. All Chairs of academies and workshops (Pump, Truck, ODA, Extrication, Leadership, etc.) need to have their budgets turned in to Phil by the end of October. This report would include estimated revenue and all of expenses (instructors, materials, room, and supplies).
(Committee Members: E-Board and Academy & Workshop Chairs)
EXTRICATION ACADEMY COMMITTEE:
Roy Gunsolus reported the dates were set for the 2009 ExtricationAcademy. They are March 16th & 17th, 2009, and there may be a third day added to cover more hybrid technology. The adjustment to the academy is to make it user friendly and keep it low tech.
(Committee Members: Kevin Olsen, Paul Strong, John Palmer, Rick Myking)
EVIP COMMITTEE:
Kevin Olsen reported he has been emailing with the State. They have sent the video to Spokane to have it compressed and are trying to embed the video, but the bottom line is if you purchased the curriculum, you will receive a copy of the DVD with the videos.
Discussion ensued about a need for more train-the-trainer classes. Kevin announced he is scheduled to teach two classes at the State Training Officers Conference. He suggested using other instructors who have gone through the trainer class to teach additional classes.
(Committee Members: Kevin Olson, Dave Kryger, Bob Jones, Jeff DiDonato, Mike Geppert)
LEADERSHIP SYMPOSIUM (PREVIOUSLY CHIEF OFFICERDEVELOPMENTACADEMY):
Kevin Olsonreported the registration for this workshop is available online at There haven’t been many registrations to date, so he was encouraging more members to register. He added that it was difficult to plan for these workshops without the direction from the chiefs. Warren will notify the chiefs of the symposium and encourage more to register and attend on November 6.
(Committee Members: Vic Pennington, Mike McAuliffe, Marty Grisham, Kevin Olson)
ODA COMMITTEE:
Elenjo Schaff reported the committee is finalizing the instructor contracts for 2009 ODA and are working on updating the curriculum to the NFPA Standards in order to prepare for the re-accreditation process. The committee is hoping to meet with Barbara Gagnor to find out what the process entails.
(Committee Members: Roger Kacmarcik , Elenjo Schaff, Rick Myking, Rick Ashleman, Jeff DiDonato, Cari Coll, Rick Newbold,Phil Cane, Cindy McMahan)
TRUCK ACADEMY COMMITTEE:
John Palmer reported that the South Class was held on September 29 through October 3, and the North Class is scheduled for November 3 through 7. Both classes were full. A discussion ensued about the need for a third academy, but it will be reviewed at a later date.
(Committee Members: Vic Pennington, John Palmer, Bob Whipple)
WEBSITE & DATABASE COMMITTEE:
Mike Geppert gave a brief summary of the process the E-Board has been going through in the search for a database and/or website programmer. The one we found will go live on November 1 and will offer real time class rosters for class availability, will use PayPal, and the student history will be available to be viewed by students and training officers. The old data has been downloaded to the new one and dates back to 1996.
(Committee Members: Jeff DiDonato, Paul Strong, Kevin Olson, Cindy McMahan and the Executive Board)
PURCHASES OF THE MONTH:
- Kevin Olson reported Valley Regional Fire Authority purchased a Metz ladder truck with delivery due in October.
- Jeff DiDonato reported Kent Fire was having a live fire training with a demonstration of a chemical with a propellant later that day.
- Tim McClung reported KingCountyAirport took possession of a crash truck.
OLD BUSINESS:
There was no old business to discuss
.
.NEW BUSINESS:
MISCELLANEOUS TOPICS:
Elenjo Schaff discussed various topics of business including:
- November Meeting Date Change: Because of the Leadership Symposium being held on the day of our regularly scheduled meeting, the date has been moved to a week later. Our November meeting will be held on Thursday, November 13th at the same location – KCFD #20; 12424 76th Avenue South – Seattle.
- Membership Roster: The current roster was being passed around for updates or initial if nothing had changed. Please indicate who your EMS person is for your department.
- December Luncheon: A sign-up sheet was disseminated for the December Luncheon meeting. Jimmy Mack’s Roadhouse will be doing the catering once again with their Prime Rib and trimmings. The ultimate deadline for registering for this lunch is Monday, November 25 at noon. Please let Elenjo Schaff know who is coming from your department as soon as possible.
- Out-going Training Officers: If your department is going to be having a change in the training officers at the end of the year, please let Elenjo Schaff know so we can recognize the out-going officer at our December Luncheon.
- Elenjo passed a 2009 host site calendar around for sign-ups as host agency for the monthly meetings. In addition to this, she informed the membership that because of the 4th of July holiday we typically held that meeting a week later (which would be July 9), and after checking on the Seafair calendar, it was noted the Blue Angels would be here the last weekend of the month of July. Elenjo asked the membership if they wanted to combine July & August meetings or what would they like. A motion was made by Warren Merritt and seconded by Marty Grisham to combine the July and August meetings and have them on July 30, in an effort to catch the Blue Angels. Motion passed.
There are still openings for host agencies for March 5 and May 7in 2009. Please let Elenjo know if you are available to host.
SELECTION OF NOMINATION COMMITTEE:
Mike Geppert announced we were in need of three individuals to serve on this year’s nomination committee. These individuals would be taking nominations at the Oct., Nov., and Dec. meetings for the positions of Vice President and Treasurer. The three volunteers to serve on this committee are: Roy Gunsolus, Rick Myking, and John Bridenbaugh.
SELECTION OF ELECTION COMMITTEE:
Mike Geppert announced we needed two individuals to volunteer to serve on the Election Committee. These two members would be responsible for handling the ballots and counting votes, and would be required to be in attendance at the December meeting. The two volunteers for this committee were Rudy Peden and Jeff DiDonato.
NOMINATIONS:
Nominations were opened for the position of Vice President (a 2-year term). Nominations from the floor were Mark Musch and Mark Weldon (currently our VP). Nominations for Treasurer were: Phil Cane (currently our Treasurer). Nominations will continue to be sought for the November and December meetings.
GOOD OF THE ORDER:
- Marty Grisham announced they are bringing in Bill Hillar for an in-house class on November 12, and if anyone would like to have him speak at a class, the only cost your agency would have to incur is the daily speaking fee of $1200 as the airfare and lodging are being paid for by Tukwila Fire.
- Tim McClung reported there is a planning meeting with Seattle that will involve a drill for aircraft familiarization. No specifics have been determined to date.
- Tim also reported they will be hosting ICS 300 and 400 classes the end of October or early November, but details haven’t been released yet.
With no further business, a motion was made by Marty Grisham and seconded by Cari Coll to adjourn. Motion passed. Meeting adjourned at 1045.
(Draft meeting minutes were respectfully submitted by Elenjo Schaff, Executive Board Secretary, on October 13, 2008.)
NEXT MEETING
(One week later than scheduled)
Thursday, November 13, 2008
0900 Start Time
KCFD #20
12424 76th Avenue South
Seattle
206-772-1430
KING COUNTY FIRE TRAINING OFFICERS’ ASSOCIATION
PHONE NUMBERS
Phone: 425-255-1241
FAX: 425-749-7274
MAILING ADDRESS
King County Fire
Training Officers’ Association
P.O. Box 3276
Everett, WA98213-8276
BE SURE TO CHECK OUT our new and improved website:
INSPIRATIONAL NOTE:
“A little foolishness, enough to enjoy life, and a little wisdom, to avoid the errors, that will do.”
~ Osho, 1931- 1990
Indian Spiritual Teacher
YOUR 2008 EXECUTIVE BOARD
(Mark Weldon, Elenjo Schaff, Michael Geppert and Phil Cane)
PRESIDENT -Michael Geppert, Eastside Fire & Rescue (425) 313-3301 or
VICE PRESIDENT - Mark Weldon, Bellevue Fire (425) 452-7852 or
SECRETARY - Elenjo Schaff, Eastside Fire and Rescue (425) 313-3393 or
TREASURER - Phil Cane, Boeing Fire (425) 785-8964 or
CONTRACT ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT –
Cindy McMahan – KCFTOA
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King County Fire Training Officers’ Association MinutesOctober 2008 Page1